George Henry Tatham Paton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Henry Tatham Paton
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| Born | 3 October 1895 Innellan, Argyllshire |
| Died | 1 December 1917 (aged 22) Gonnelieu, France |
| Buried |
Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetery, British Extension
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | September 1914 – December 1917 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 17th London Regiment Grenadier Guards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
George Henry Tatham Paton (born October 3, 1895 – died December 1, 1917) was a brave Scottish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Cross (MC). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Captain Paton was the first officer from the Grenadier Guards to earn the VC since the Crimean War.
Early Life and Education
George Paton was born in 1895. His father, George William Paton, was a leader at a company called Bryant and May. George went to school at Rottingdean School and then Clifton College in Bristol, England.
Serving in World War I
When the First World War began, George Paton joined the army. He became an acting captain in the 4th Battalion of the Grenadier Guards. He was only 22 years old when he showed incredible bravery.
A Heroic Act
On December 1, 1917, Captain Paton was fighting in Gonnelieu, France. A unit of soldiers on his left side had to retreat. This left his company almost completely surrounded by the enemy.
Even though he was in great danger, Captain Paton walked calmly along the battle line. He was only about 50 yards from the enemy, who were firing heavily. He helped adjust his soldiers' positions. He even personally carried several wounded men to safety. He was the very last person to leave the village.
Later, he again helped organize the soldiers' line. The enemy attacked four times. Each time, Captain Paton bravely jumped onto the low wall (called a parapet) that protected his men. He risked his life to encourage his soldiers to keep fighting. Sadly, he was badly wounded during one of these moments and died.
His Legacy
Captain Paton was awarded the Victoria Cross for his amazing courage and leadership. His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the Guards Regimental Headquarters in Wellington Barracks, London.
